Article

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe the results of focus groups
held during the Independent Wheelchair Transfer (IWT) Workgroup. The aims were to
facilitate exchange of ideas on (1) the impact of the built environment on the
wheelchair transfer process within the community (i.e. moving from wheelchair to
and from other surfaces (e.g. furniture, toilet seat, bath bench, car seat) to
participate in daily activities), (2) wheelchair users' needs during transfers in
the built environment, and (3) future research directions. METHOD: Live web-based
conferencing using Adobe Connect technology (Clarix Technologies, Inc.,
Pittsford, NY) was utilized to conduct three focus groups composed of experts in
the field of assistive technology. Investigators independently reviewed focus
group meeting transcripts and used qualitative methods to identify main themes.
RESULT: Thirty-one experts in assistive technology and related fields
participated in focus groups. Nine main themes were found including the effect of
transfer skills training, space considerations in the built environment,
wheelchair configuration, and the interaction between the built environment, user
preferences, and transfer techniques. All groups raised issues about the transfer
process in areas of the built environment with limited access, the effect of
wheelchair users' transfer techniques, and user preferences during transfers.
CONCLUSIONS: The area of independent transfers is multi-faceted and several
factors require consideration when contemplating environmental changes to improve
accessibility for wheelchair users. Obvious opportunity exists for research which
could lead to advances in transfer technology, environments, and techniques for
wheelchair users. Implications for Rehabilitation Tremendous opportunities for
research collaborations in the field of assistive technology: To develop new
terminology to describe wheelchair transfers. To improve the design of the built
environment for wheelchair users. To investigate wheelchair transfer training
techniques.

Langue : ANGLAIS